LIFESTYLE

 Securing an icon state of living has greatly override the basis of our own imposed threshold .Connotation of this with YOLO might actually give it some ‘weight’ in that societal significance of daily life has been eroded to mere give or take. Having a high profile for instance can be intertwined with the position of influence one holds which ultimately radiates their essence and more often their roles ,either this or any other domain one chooses will determine how this society depicts each one of them…now ,that’s harsh reality.

Do what you have to or even better …do you.Such common cliches’ have been projected onto our basic code of conduct which has in turn propagated irrational outcomes. Sitting to judge or looking for flaws in others can actually be embedded as a fallacy no matter the odds of what one chooses to scrutinize.Choices given of a lifestyle with a variety of extremes and preconceived notions of “living life”might as well be the latter- day circus of life. Therefore no matter the choices or decisions one solemnly abides by should rather be not at our disposal to question and insinuate without considering the whole scope of it.

Long after days are gone and a self account has to be drafted based on in-built perceptions with regards to such, will ultimately unfold a lot.Times have changed and the inevitable bit of It remains a sensible factor in all of this. Significance of adopting’ or adapting a totally different path from the rest and setting course for the ‘lifestyle’ one has chose is that regardless the stakes , its always a win in that you did you… For what other power do we posses other than universal free will?

It’s not new to hear of constant inner battles people usually go through. Some of this actually boil down to ‘self searching’ and attempts to find the truth about ones’ existence. Being in mid chaos with inner self to the extend of projecting it to the outer-world with less regard on how the society will view you in every instance of portrayal is the ultimate reward one might bestow on themselves.Queries on what,why,where,how and when one has to be something or do something is a matter of choice. Developing attributes that align with certain prospects while shielding your own is a total lie that time will expose soon enough,the greatest of lies are the ones we willingly tell ourselves.

Whether its being an artist,a believer or non believer,a leader or the led,an open or closed book ,ambivert or introvert it’s a matter of choice more than it is a matter of subjective experience.Being in accord with your real self is what actually matters.Lifestyle is a result of continued progressive input into what one perceives as rational and reasonable choice.That which when tapped into unfolds ,trickling its’ content with pleasurable awe that resonates with ones’ reality.Superficial tendency to limit ourselves by denying a certain lifestyle in disguise of societal fear ,judgement ,behavioral scrutiny and common critics undermines who we really are.Waking up with a subjective portrayal of your real self denies one the abundance of diversity. Inner chaos do amplify the undertones of critics levelling the ground and gifting them the leverage to get a whole lot better part of the argument scale'. Choose that which suits you .

GATEWAYS.

 "Keep others in suspended terror and cultivate an air of unpredictability.." Stands as the 17th law in reference to Robert Greene in his' '48 Laws of power. The other side of this would imply that there is some sort of uncalled privileges which accompanies genuine openness and engagement of parties in a sole adventure , something we mutually disregard or we can beg to differ with per say.

Political analysts would refer this current state of the nation as a 'liberation or restoration of a politically incompetent system of governance.' More than 3 decades ago , Kenya reformed its' constitution to allow for multiparty involvement in leadership following the then unfairness. Even after this, Nepotism,Tribalism and corruption remained a point of concern which afterwards catalysed the mid 2000's PEV , that immersed Kenya into a historical predicament.

There was need for change ,a need for diplomatic integration ,a call for further amendment of the constitution come 2010 which enlisted devolution as one of its' major concern with an aim to bring governance closer to the people.

Formation of IREC ( Independence Review Commission)to conduct investigation on the absurdity and violence along with TJRC ( Truth, Justice, Reconciliation Commission) to oversee reconciliation and inquire on historical injustice into the whole scope of PEV ,which did override and aid in solving this.

The new constitution which gave power to the people faced its' own setbacks. A people still addressed challenges in unfair resource allocation,delayed disbursement of funds, political interference and the alleged exclusion of minorities which substantiated another call for unhygienic politics as PLO Lumumba would term the diverse leadership in Africa 

Even after slipping through the fingers of ICC , Jubilees' regime credibility come 2013 was greatly questioned. Incompetent government,IEBC unreliability and middle finger attitude couldn't get the people to agree more. "Uhuru told me he was not competent enough to run the government and that they wanted me to be the candidate."said Mudavadi. He divulged that before the 2012 polls Kenyatta and other Jubilee co-heads had endorsed him to be their flag bearer only to be betrayed two weeks later.'Records Kenyans.co.ke . Mulembe nation leader learnt not by compulsion but through his own accord that deceit always finds its' way.

What is the catch? What is the endgame in this? Imposition of unfair tax base as a plan to raise revenue instead of cutting down states' expenditure to channel a section of it into the economy is lame. Change is crucial but attempts to mitigate such challenges calls for strategic planning and sound mind.

 Having attended G7 summit in one of his 62 foreign trips abroad and boldly emphasizing the need to reform global financial system to help the less privileged in Africa, paints a whole different picture of Ruto. A falsified concern or is it a strategic pawn move? Cross check.

Jean-bédel Bokassa will be remembered of his atrocious misconduct in the murder of kids who failed to purchase school uniform from his wife in CAR. Insane right? Well,that's the power of power. Nothing is new under the sun . Time no longer tells...it reveals. Loaters on an industrial scale are they? 

Mid June 2024 protests made it crystal clear that the young generation 'Gen-Z' have not even a flicker of hope in the competence of Rutos' regime let alone trust in their uttered unfulfilled promises. "Reject" slogan was but a single bullet in their arsenal aimed at multiple targets. 'Watu wamechoka,' netizens lamented to amplify the burden of dwelling under such harsh economic times. On 26th a day after citizens occupied the parliament building with rage and courage , the president scrubbed off the Finance bill. A win it was .

We could talk of the historical 'tribal wars ' fuelled by Swastika symbol whose leadership after 12 years of rulling couldn't account for a significant tally of positive change, rather a downpour of mass murder, incarceration of communists , execution of Jews needless to say control through propaganda. Throughout ages the plan was for an African man to be in control. With that granted it comes as a total surprise not knowing how long the wishlist was! Social inequity, resource vandalisation,misuse of public and state offices, corruption to the core...the list is endless! All this begs for the question,'when you make your bed,ni usingizi gani tumelala?'

Inaction is no longer an option.Tapping into all this by their determination to seek an secure a better future ,Gen-Z deserve their flowers having demonstrated the zeal in them. I'll give them that. 

Boniface Mwangi a social activist said diplomatic statements of concern by US secretary of state Antony Blinken after the violence was ''too little too late". People had to die for them to say something,they bought all this shine and charming personality failing to see the iron fist behind the velvet glove." Records Reutters.

CHAOS.

 Ever wondered why all seems well till it dawn's on you how perfect people have actually mastered the art of incubating life's shortcomings? That smiles are just but a cover of a much devastating and unbearable mental state? Let alone the ever joyful laughter with enthusiastic long talks meant to harbor and anchor inbuilt sorrows which will remain hibernated till the very same victims choose to shed the long awaited light and reveal whatever concealments they have? welcome aboard!

Mental health issues is now a great concern. Negligence of its' impact or choosing to divert attention and failing to address the whole scope of it speaks of our true selves. It actually comes with no surprise that men are prime victims of the implications given their nature of being. Well it's not black and white as it seems to be or a one way endeavor to solving such a crisis. "Boys will always be boys,'we ni mwanaume ' don't be sissy", such clauses are more effective now than before.

Childhood traumas, parental issues and background stories are the primary sources of this concern. Shaking such foundations to fully incorporate its' effects triggers a series of unfortunate events that lay dormant, buried deep within the souls of many. Only when bruised or tampered with does it become crystal clear that our society is infested with a pest that feeds from beneath, eating away and poking into the beauty of being . So it stands, potentially disastrous and mildly irritating roaming with an already decided end game..To destroy.

Change is slow and gradual,it requires determination,bit of supreme luck ,fair amount of self sacrifice and a heap of patience. All sectors play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of this. Individuals with mental concerns need not suffer anymore in the hands of an unseen force. Being deliberate open and  actualizing the cold truth is nothing but a first step in absorbing this uncomfortable reality. Men find it hard to tap into such 'reserved' dormains with the fear of pushing their masculinity to an undefined edge. Something totally relatable in a society that has equally suppressed their needs not to mention how privileged the girl child has been lately. Till now when the pillars of our families are on the verge of losing their s*** do we find it effective to open and peep at the contents of this. Let's face it 'kimeumana' and the continuity of our generation might be jeopardized unless we unfold this untold bit. We have to, trust me on this.

Suicidal cases, Marital conflicts and social disorders emerge from the core of unattended mental issues. Insomnia,ADHD OCD, schizophrenic tendencies and other mental disorders pose a great risk in advancement of life order. Amendments on work policies to feature an inclusive discipline on mental health of employees is not an option. Tough economic times has catalyzed the results of this which inturn has amplified its' effects. Highlighting without employing essential steps is simply a sublimation approach with eyes fixed on the prize while neglecting the crucial phase of paying the price in between. Absurdity at its best!

Therefore let's flip and toss the coin in our favor. Creating sensitive channels to aid detect and curb such tendencies is more of an effort in addressing mental concerns. Victims should face less criticism as they yearn for revival of their long gone true selves. Appreciating this will entice and pave path for more liberation of men from shackles of this epidemic.'Undugu ni kufaana' so they say, hopefully we won't shy from this for the sake of a better tomorrow. The time is now, ripe and ready for fruition . No more irrelevant discourse and playoffs. Desperate times have surpassed the brim, let's converge,consult,create and employ constructive measures on the same. It has to be us! 'Ama namna gani?'

SCRUTINY

 Matters to deal with faith still rises mixed opinions and great array of diverse views. Holding onto our beliefs as taught in our childhood days seem to shape the very construct and standpoint each individual holds. Devoted believers of either Christianity,Muslim, Hinduism, Buddhism or atheists have in them a preconceived notion that what they believe in as the upright and rightful choice hence dimming and confining to this ,making it total absurd in attempting to consider the truth which lies in other sets of faith.

Taking into account the teachings of the Holy book that each christian should love their counterparts as they ought for the same,poses the question 'who is a true believer?What are their distinguished acts?How Godly is their conduct?Well,the weight of this matter totally lies within your court. Should we seek to question and judge this weak human race or let it rest at the hands of our supreme? I Find it amusing when one chooses to underestimate the perception of others,I mean , isn't it a free world? Are people not entitled to their opinions? Well,time will tell..

Complexities of our nature has indeed impose a great deal of challenges on this. Urges, primary instincts, weaknesses and fragility of being has undermined the possibility of a "perfect "believer. Attornment of sins and seeking to be redeemed after each slight misconduct, not only does it paint us as shameless, self centered and confused individuals,but also it exposes and give room for critics to question the sole existence of our superior. He is merciful,yes,but does that give leeway to intentionally mess up bearing in mind that He died for our sins and that at His throne we shall find abundance of His grace to sustain us whenever we need it? Enlighten me.

Who's to be hold accountable for the mass murder or demise of those desperate believers of "Shakahola" in Kenya?Should we point our fingers at the leader of the cult or are we to blame the deluded ,myopic set of vulnerable christians who blindly choose to dig their own graves in hopes to meet  "Mwanakondoo"as allegedly reported? How many of this instances happen globally? Are those incidents subjected to the rule of law or are they beyond human understanding?The irony of this is that despite the solid evidence presented before us all ,some will still choose to taste the waters, blindfolded by their own motives for a quick fix..what a nuisance!

None is complete. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.. Giving reference to one of Paul's letters ,as a general way to understand our nature and embrace our flaws that constitute our true being. Religion therefore shouldn't be a tool or grounds on which one stands to be criticized or rebuked for it conflicts with the very same fact that human race is in a continuous battle with its own basics. A valid reason to doubt the competency of all believers but not a threshold to scrutinize and conclude as a fraction of the whole entity.

Surprisingly the society at large has constructed it's concepts on the same. Standing in the limelight as a beacon to portray what is expected of a true believer narrows down our evaluation on what is just. Upholding a distinguished reputation while false painting an outward image to evade justification keeps me on toes with who is just. Faith is a fundamental necessity yes,but actions bear the most significance. Unless convinced otherwise,I pledge my loyalty to weigh deeds and not swayed by utterances. For what essence is believing without upholding the foundations of it?

UNFOLDING THE FUTURE.

 Even though we might differ in opinions about this, a number of us will at large agree that the competency of the present government is indeed questionable. As evident as it is, the continued ‘hiking of prices as a result of lowered subsidies, increase in taxation which is being attributed as a goal to better the economics’ stability which has been wavering for a long time.

As a matter of fact, the unpredictable hyper-inflation might somehow be linked to the continued unstable global market. Statistics suggest that a large percentage of African nations rely on Europe as a trade ally. With the ongoing Ukraine-Russian conflict, a great deal of the global economy has been plunged into unbearable crisis. Kenya relies on Russian federation for the importation of wheat, fertilizers, iron, steel, and paper products which account for 80% of total imports to Kenya from Eastern Europe. The newly imposed sanctions on Russia by the US, has inturn disrupted these trade linkages and supply chains leading to shortages in the market and exponential increase in prices of such commodities.

On the other end the ‘common Mwananchi’ has therefore been forced to face these ongoing global imposters. The sudden rise in price of basic assets has ultimately disrupted the smooth running daily living of most lowlifes. These abrupt shifts has led to an intense increase in crime rates as a great part of the nation is experiencing burglary thefts, shoplifting and unending cattle rustling .CS Kindiki has allegedly addressed the matter as a national security issue and promised that the ongoing trends will soon be laid to rest. Will it be so?

The whole idea and doubts which Kenyans have been implying on the ruling of the current head of state might be a false validation of the reputation the president holds. Change takes time and does feel awkward, as hard as it is, it’sour sole duty to embrace these challenges infinitely as a nation, in order to navigate through the ongoing financial and economic difficulties, as we pave path to a better tomorrow.

These hardships should not act or be in a position to insulate and create room for the continuing global detrimental state to keep weakening the nations’stagnating economic progress. I suppose that this is a crucial and lifetime opportunity for the exploration of ever existing natural resources e.g. oil reserves in Northern Kenya. Years of delayed investments has left these reserves untapped. Attracting more investors along with competing new technology, will be a game changer and life saver to our drowning economic stand. This will create job opportunities and increase in per capita income;stability in fuel prices will be attained and many oil related levies will be repealed, thus allowing the government to direct its’ spending’s towards impactful public expenditure. Who’s to be hold accountable to the success of this and other bunch of lying potential schemes? You name them.

Without a conscious and well objective force, the nations’ direction will be unchecked and we are completely liable to meander in the mush of a lifetime crisis. Instead of consistently shifting, drifting, and adapting to events, our co-heads should safeguard every sector by all means possible. It may not completely unfold in a snap but with time, it will be crystal clear that the nation won’t be stagnating in a zone of economic degradation.

COLLINS MUMO

4th JUNE 2023.